Chris Reid, an experienced emergency manger, is the new Lincoln County Emergency Management Director. Reid comes to the position after serving as emergency coordinator for the Mississippi Board of Animal Health and 15 years of service as an emergency response coordinator for the Mississippi Department of Health and Mississippi Emergency Management Agency liaison. Reid replaces retiring Lincoln County Emergency Management Director Clifford Galey, with whom he will work until his departure on July 1.

The reopening of the country as the COVID-19 pandemic subsides is like kicking down doors and a gale blowing in from the gulf. People are going out. Restaurants are filling up. People are traveling. Families are gathering. Our long worldwide nightmare is coming to an end. We even had a block party in my neighborhood last week. A grand time was had by all. And so, too, a lot is happening in the local music scene. Our little corner of the world has always been an incubator for talented people. Artists, authors, actors and musicians have been nourished here and it continues today. The pandemic was a blip. Brookstock is back. The Brookhaven Building, previously the FEMA building, will host Brookstock XX on July 24. What started out as a class reunion has become one of the biggest music events in southwest Mississippi. The festival got its start when local artist/musician Don Jacobs thought it would be a good idea to get his high school rock and roll band, The Brutes, back together for the 20th Class Reunion. There was no time for rehearsals. So they just winged it. They discovered the magic was still there. And it became an annual event. The name Brookstock, obviously a variation of the Woodstock Festival, was thrown out as sort of a joke by keyboard player Bill Lauderdale at the end of the second show. The name stuck. So did the festival. Of course, this should be Brookstock 21, but the show was cancelled last year due to the pandemic. Jacobs has said year 20 would be his last year to run the festival, and The Godfather of all things music in Brookhaven,Tyler Bridge, will take over. This year's lineup includes some old favorites like Mike J Case, Bryan Batson, Ed Tree and The Bridge Band. Everyone is invited to come out and enjoy seeing old friends and listening to great music. The Overbrook Songwriters Festival is also back. It will be held at four separate venues in downtown Brookhaven on August 6 and 7. This is the second year for the songwriters festival, and it will feature 21 artists from across the southeast, California and Illinois. I met fellow Chicago Cubs baseball fan Bob Bogaert in Baton Rouge a few years ago when he and I were paired for a set at the Third Street Songwriters Festival. It was an instant friendship. His songs range from poignant to funny, and he is great on stage telling stories from his life on the road as a singer songwriter. Ed Tree, who grew up in Brookhaven and now lives life in California as a songwriter, guitarist and record producer, is the headliner this year. He will be at Recess 101 at 7:00 p.m. on Saturday, August 7. Get there early. And, yes, even some influential area musicians who have passed on have come back, with the help of people who have been working on getting a Blues Marker to properly remember them. I recently had the pleasure of being present at the unveiling of the new Mississippi Blues Marker at Railroad Park in downtown Brookhaven, which highlight my old friend Virgil Brawley, Moses Whispering Smith and Blind Jim Brewer. This is the 210th Mississippi Blues Marker placed throughout the state to honor those who birthed the Blues. “When we started putting up Blues Markers, we thought we might have thirty or so, but now we have 210," says Craig Ray, director of Visit Mississippi and Chairman of the Mississippi Blues Commission. Becky Currie, chairman of the Mississippi State House Tourism committee who represents the area, got behind it, however, and went to work. "Tyler Bridge originally approached me about the marker," Currie recalls. "I received mountains of material on the life and accomplishments of Virgil. So two years ago I brought it up. It went nowhere. You know that’s how government works.” Representative Currie remained adamant and the Blues Marker plaque now sits in Railroad Park. Following unveiling of the Blues Marker, Big Juv’s old band, the Juvenators, played a concert, featuring Travis Brawley, Virgil’s son, playing his dad’s guitar. It was very cool and a bit emotional. Moses Whispering Smith was born in Union Church, and made his biggest splash playing Swamp Blues on the streets of Baton Rouge. He made a few solo albums, but he was featured on many records playing his harmonica. Unfortunately, Swamp Blues had hit its zenith as Smith was just beginning and his career faltered. He passed away in Baton Rouge in 1984 at 52 years old. Blind Jim Brewer was born in Brookhaven, but in the 1940s moved to Chicago, where he made his living busking on the streets and playing at blues and folk festivals. During the blues renaissance of the 1960’s he was rediscovered and began playing college campuses, and finally toured Europe in the 1970s. Brewer died in Chicago in 1988. Come to Brookstock and The Overbrook Songwriters Festival, and continue to support the arts. EDITOR'S NOTE: Shaw Furlow is a local composer, musician and arts promoter. He produces an internet-based video show -- From the Shadyside -- that spotlights area musical talent and is a consultant to school bands in the region.

Wesson Attendance Center graduated sixty seniors in its Class of 2021 -- two with highest honors, ten with high honors, twelve with honors and eighteen Beta Club members, including 12 recognized in the three honors categories, in commencement ceremonies last month at Co-Lin's Stone Stadium. Kayla Alama Barfield and Larson Pouncey Lewis, who had the highest honors, were the Salutatorian and Valedictorian and among Beta Club member graduates, addressed the audience, presenting their thoughts on the future following graduation. Diplomas were presented by Stephanie Allen, Tommy Clopton, Barbie Roberson and Dale Granger to: High honors graduates O'Koya Jaimere Barlow, Marisa Johana Becerra, Victoria Grace Benton, William Cooper Brinson, Mallory Rose Chavez, Richard Conner Diamond, Carsyn Caroline Earls, Anna Tess Holley, Kanzie Michelle Sullivan and Chaney Breanna Westbrook. Honors graduates Dakota Lane Brown, Katlyn Michelle Caponis, Laynee Grace Crapps, Kaitlyn Brooke Davison, Heaven Celeste Howard, Avery Chayse Kyle, Shelby Leigh Ann Martin, Chloee Grace McManus, Katie Grace Papizan, Connor Allen Renfroe, Ella Maria Silvan and Aubree Leigh Smith. Beta Club members Maicie Lashay Bell, Nicholas Antrell Edwards, Kaleigh Breann Frederick, Anessa Arie Harris, Abby Dannielle Harrison, Stacy Chanta Ruth Martin, Brayden Michael Nicholson and Cory Jermayne Thompson, Jr. Barfield and Lewis and High honor and Honor graduates Barlow, Becerra, Bell, Benton, Brinson, Brown, Chavez, Davidson, Holley and Westbrook were also recognized as Beta Club members. Dual diploma graduates were Valedictorian Lewis and Travis Jason Walker, who also completed studies at Co-Lin. Graduates Brady Jasper Alford, Austin Charles Arbaugh, Christopher Shawn Arbaugh, Timothy Alexander Bergeron, Jalen Terian Butler, Chandler Tate Byrd, Alyssa Nicole Carraway, Hannah Nicole Chinn, Andrew Dylan Cotten, Emily Katherine Covington, Jason Cotez Edwards, Jr., Mason Gregory Elkins, , Terrence Dujuan Haley, Elana Kay Hisaw, Preston Tyler Lee, Peyton Michael Lewis, Madaliene Love McReynolds, Derek Mora, Emily Grace Ponder, Caleb Christopher Roberts, Cody Blaine Roberts, Koby Lynn Roberts, Antrelle Ladarius Sims, Orlando Tashay Smith, Jr., Cody Dylan Sylvest, James Zephyr West and Austin Nicholas Wilkinson.

Last month, the American Legion Auxiliary Drane-Prine Unit #79 helped Wesson remember war veterans who made the ultimate sacrifice and find hope in the future of peace. The local Legion Auxiliary used May 28, Congressionally-declared as National Poppy Day as part of the extended Memorial Day celebration to encourage patriotic town residents to wear or display a red poppy as a symbol of remembrance and hope and to deliver Poppy Day coloring books, paper poppies and teachers’ packets for the third grade at Wesson Attendance Center and Wesson Baptist Church kindergarten. “The American Legion Family is pleased to have brought National Poppy Day to the United States,” explained Sharon Langley, American Legion Auxiliary Drane-Prine Unit #79 president. “Wearing a poppy the Friday before Memorial Day is a reminder to remember those who have made the ultimate sacrifice and is a symbol of hope for the generations to come who will answer our nation’s call to military service. It is important for Americans to remember that we have an entirely new group of veterans. Supporting them and their families is absolutely essential. We are also delighted to share with young people the important role Poppy Day is for our veterans and their families.” The red poppy symbolizes the blood shed by those who fought during World War I and those who continue to fight for our country in its aftermath. Publication of the wartime poem “In Flanders Fields" popularized the symbol. Written by Lieutenant Colonel John McCrae, M.D., while serving on the front line in World War I, the poem honors soldiers killed in battle. In 1920, the poppy became the memorial flower of The American Legion Family. Wesson Mayor Alton Shaw signed a proclamation declaring Friday, May 28, as National Poppy Day. “We are pleased to have the support of Mayor Shaw in honoring and remembering our veterans on this special day," Langley said.

The Mississippi State Board of Education (SBE) is seeking public comment on two policies that call for all school districts to resume in-person instruction as the primary mode of teaching starting in the 2021-22 school year. The policies set requirements for districts that choose to offer a virtual learning option to individual students and establish standards for virtual learning days. The SBE’s action aligns with the requirements of the federal American Rescue Plan Act, which provides money to schools to help safely reopen and maintain safe operations. “The Mississippi Department of Education (MDE) remains committed to providing guidance and support to help districts ensure all students have access to in-person learning,” said Dr. Carey Wright, state superintendent of education. Under the proposed policies, districts that offer a virtual option for individual students must adopt local board-approved policies that include the criteria for students to participate in virtual learning, requirements for equipment, connectivity, attendance and student conduct, and assurances of equal access and non-discrimination and the delivery of Free Appropriate Public Education (FAPE) for students with disabilities. All students who take part in virtual learning will be required to take statewide assessments on campus. The SBE’s proposed policies will allow districts to provide schoolwide or districtwide virtual learning days in the event of unforeseen circumstances such as weather emergencies or an epidemic prevailing in the district. However, districts must ensure any virtual learning days include actual teaching for a minimum of 330 minutes, as state law requires. Districts are required to provide a minimum of 180 days of instruction. The SBE provided districts with broad flexibility in the 2020-21 school year to help manage the COVID-19 outbreak. Districts were allowed to meet the 180-day teaching requirement through traditional, virtual or a hybrid of in-person and distance learning. The SBE voted in April to end the pandemic-related flexibilities. To assist with virtual learning, the Legislature provided $200 million in 2020 through the Mississippi Connects program, which provided every public-school student with a computer device to learn. The next phase of the Mississippi Connects program includes professional development and support from digital learning instructional coaches, who will help teachers, schools and districts effectively use educational technology and improve student outcomes statewide. Proposed virtual learning policies to start in 2021-22: School-Wide and District-Wide Virtual Learning Days Virtual Students The APA comment period will be open through July 12, 2021 at 5 p.m. The comments will be submitted to the SBE on July 15, 2021 for consideration of final approval. The APA comments will be submitted to Dr. Jo Ann Malone at accreditation@mdek12.org.

Seven Wesson Attendance Center (WAC) high school juniors have been learning about democratic governing in a practical civics lesson sponsored by the American Legion. Sam McInnis, Logan Hux, Carson Barlow and Tucker Jaudon from WAC went to the American Legion's Boys State last week (May 30-June 5) and WAC's Mary Grace Sullivan, Kamryn Bridges and Kim Ayers are attending the June 6-11 Girls State. For decades the American Legion has sponsored the programs that teach and promote citizenship and understanding of state and local government. Mississippi high schools send students in their junior years to the program. They are recommended by their high school principals, counselors and teachers. Boys State was held at the University of Mississippi and Girls State is now being held at the University of Southern Mississippi. The participating students have a week of learning and fun, make long-lasting friendships, and take away special memories that will last throughout their lives.

Wesson Public Library has reopened in its old Spring Street location after a nearly year-long $444,000 rehabilitation and renovation that added another 1,000 square feet to its building, and included a new facade, remodeled interior and new book shelves, while making it accessibility compliant with American with Disabilities Act (ADA) standards. Over the past year, the library continued to serve the community in a temporary home at the Old School Community Center. Mississippi Development Authority funded the renovation through ADA funding.

Through the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC) at the Mississippi State Department of Health (MSDH), participants statewide are now able to use eWIC benefit cards to get healthy food more easily. eWIC benefit cards work like debit cards: simply swipe and enter your PIN. The cards are accepted at 275 authorized locations, including 160 grocery stores, 103 grocery stores with pharmacies, and 12 independent pharmacies across Mississippi. Because WIC’s emphasis is on healthy eating for mothers, infants and children, eWIC cards can be used to buy milk, cereal, yogurt, juice, eggs, cheese, peanut butter, beans, whole wheat bread, brown rice, whole wheat pasta, whole wheat and corn tortillas, fresh, frozen or canned fruits and vegetables, baby formula and baby food. Each participant has a unique food package and may not be eligible to get all food items. “This is a dramatic increase in access from the 95 WIC food distribution centers we were operating. This change gives our clients more variety of food options and more flexibility in when and where they shop,” said Diane W. Hargrove, Director of the WIC program. WIC is a supplemental food program for pregnant, breastfeeding, and post-partum women, infants, and children under 5. The program helps mothers and babies get healthy foods and healthy advice in the first years of life. Each eWIC card will have a unique account number. WIC will use that number to send benefits to the account each month. Any WIC benefits that are not used during the monthly cycle do not roll over. WIC will reload the card when the next benefit period begins. For additional information about WIC and an updated list of authorized vendors, please check our website at www.HealthyMS.com/WIC, or call (601) 991-6000 or toll-free 1-800-545-6747.

The F.K. and Lucile Horton Scholarship was recently endowed with the Co-Lin Foundation by their children Letha Presley, Francis K. Horton, III, and Alison Fryant to benefit students pursuing the Early Childhood Education program, with preference given to a single mother. F.K. Horton was a longtime director of maintenance at Co-Lin, a veteran of the Korean War and served in the U.S. Navy. Lucile Horton was director of the Early Childhood Development Technology program for many years and was honored with the Ageless Hero Award from the town of Wesson. The Hortons were members of Sylvarena Baptist Church in Wesson where they both taught Sunday school and F.K. was a deacon for 40 years. Contributions to the F.K. and Lucile Horton Scholarship, or any other scholarship, can be mailed to the Co-Lin Foundation at P.O. Box 649, Wesson, MS 39191, or made online at https://www.colin.edu/alumni-foundation/give-now/.

Wesson Garden Club, Wesson American Legion and Legion Auxiliary members and other townspeople honored military veterans and their sacrifices in the service of their country, including their lives, at a special wreath-laying ceremony last month on the eve of the Memorial Day holiday weekend. Sharon Langley from the Legion Auxiliary and the Garden Club's Debbie Smith placed the wreath at the Blue Star Memorial marker that the Garden Club installed at the four-way stop on Highway 51 just south of Wesson's business district to pay tribute to the armed forces which have defended the nation. The Garden Club's Dixie Thornton also led a ceremony with Legion Auxiliary members that recalled the sacrifices of veterans. From left at wreath-laying and the ceremony were Alton Ricks, Paula Smith, Hank Smith, Suzanne Smith, who played taps in honor of soldiers who sacrificed their lives; Bobby Thornton, David Fore, Annie Wing, A.C. Currie, Dr. Stephen Liverman, Sonya Cowin, Debbie Hoaglin, Lisa Lusk, Langley, Debbie Smith, Marilyn Britt, Joy Westbrook, Deb Fore, Barbara Locke, Jennifer Peets, Thornton and Camile Johnson.

Construction is progressing on the new Spring Street home for the Wesson Police Department, a $300,000 project funded by state bond monies and being carried out by municipal employees. Brad Turner, Wesson Public Works Director, drafted specs for the building, and he and his crew, including Joe Glasper and Jonathan Hutt, are doing the construction work. The builders are at work when they aren't responding to other town priority needs, and work should be completed before the end of the year.

Captain James L. Wilson has been appointed to Director of Auto Theft and Salvage. Wilson has served his community as a law enforcement officer for more than 20 years. He began his career with the Mississippi Highway Patrol (MHP) and later served with the Mississippi Bureau of Investigation (MBI). Prior to his appointment to Director of Auto Theft and Salvage, Wilson served as the Director of the Criminal Information Center, Director of Safety Responsibility, Director of Driver Records, and Director of the Internal Affairs Division. Wilson received his Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice from Alcorn State University. He is a graduate of the FBI Command College for Leadership and Organizational Success and the FBI National Academy. “It is an honor to announce the appointment of Captain James Wilson to Director of Auto Theft and Salvage,” said Lieutenant Colonel Lee Morrison, Mississippi Bureau of Investigation Director. “Captain Wilson’s extensive career in law enforcement and leadership experience make him the ideal candidate for the position.” “Captain Wilson is a trusted and proven leader with a distinguished record in law enforcement,” said Colonel Randy Ginn, Director of the Mississippi Highway Patrol. “Captain Wilson’s vast experience across the Mississippi Department of Public Safety has equipped him with the skillset needed to excel in his new position.”